French doomsters, The Lumberjack Feedback have had a busy few years with a split release and two EP’s to their credit. “Blackened Visions” represents the first full length release from the band. Beefing things up with two drummers and a twin guitar attack, this all instrumental album bravely promises to twist the traditional doom metal structure.
“No Cure (For The Fools)” is an explosion straight out of the blocks. The clarity of the production is immediately obvious and senses are delighted. The twin drums of Nicolas Tarridec and Olivier T’Servrancx indeed add a frantic twist with this sense of propulsion pushing the track forward accompanied by rich, clean riffs that blast away and set a high benchmark.
With the classic “Black Sabbath” intro of the sound of a rainy, stormy night, “Blackened Visions” creeps into life with the guitars almost chiming before an absolutely gargantuan riff crushes the senses. Again, those drums are so interwoven and create a sense of boundlessness that falls into the primal, nihilistic folk beats of “IMereMortal”. With Sebastien Tarridec’s brutal bass line setting the tone, the mid-section is drenched in feedback before dense, long, drawn out funereal chords create an apocalyptic soundtrack.
“Salvation” twists in the intro and a very cool, almost stoner riff breaks in and lifts and lifts. Guitarists, Simon Herbaut and Arnaud Silvert feed off each other, as do the drummers and the result is quite a compelling and enthralling soundscape. This union is perhaps none more obvious than on “Dra Till Helvete”. The neat undercurrent of pace creates an urgency while dense blackened doom builds overhead. The album’s longest track takes ambient tangents and feels volatile throughout with moments of chugging intensity that descend into crushing sludge. It’s an impressive display of sonic firepower climaxing in a progressive haze.
The finale is completely uplifting. “Mah Song (Horses Of God)” is like a pressure valve; the clean production values shine through with uplifting layers of guitar and percussion. A short, piercing stab of a solo peaks the track before the gentle fade and some smoking, stoner metal wails.
This is an hypnotic, mesmerising listen. Thoughtful, complimentary playing has created an ambience that demands repeated playback. Classically doom but with a freshness and pace gives this album a very positive twist. Although an instrumental album, it never threatens to lean toward self indulgence and as a total piece, the whole thing just works beautifully.
(9/10 Johnny Zed)
https://www.facebook.com/thelumberjackfeedbackband
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPpZax62H24
Leave a Reply